The sustainability of the rising cost of college is a subject of growing concern. As tuition fees continue to outpace inflation rates and wage growth, many individuals and families are finding it increasingly challenging to afford higher education. This trend has led to a significant burden of student loan debt, which can have long-term financial consequences for graduates. Local college students weigh in and lend their voices to the first installment of this multi-part series.

As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, access to digital resources and skills has become a fundamental requirement for full participation in society. From education and employment opportunities to healthcare, government services, and social interactions, digital access is integral to nearly every aspect of modern life. Yet, millions of people in this country still lack access to the internet and the digital skills necessary to navigate it effectively. This digital divide exacerbates existing inequalities, leaving marginalized communities at a significant disadvantage.

Guests, Carmen Dawson, Odie Gray, Samuel Moses and Kenneth

In so many ways, America appears to be at a crossroads. between the issues plaguing our election process, the environment of hyper partisan politics, scandals within the Supreme Court, and the rise of various social uprisings, can we survive another century? Guest voices Marc Blount and Chuck Cammarata join me, along with special guest Abdullah Washington to discuss if we are witnessing the fall of America. In this episode of NEXT 2.0.

Back to The Future: In 2016, NEXT was featured in the Erie times. Host, Marcus Atkinson was pictured interviewing Brandon Wiley about his then fledgling organization, Opened Eyes. In this episode, Marcus sits down with Brandon Wiley to discuss the growth, success and necessity, of Opened Eyes.

Snowfall: Fact or Fiction with guest voice Zach Blunt and Recording Artist Mercury Moon.

Links mentioned in the episode are listed below.

Freeway interview with Bootleg Kev: https://youtu.be/kH_xvJq03Zc?si=G_G8MMOWrhBBCvh_

Iran Contra on PBS: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/reagan-iran/

Over the past two decades, the landscape of the wine and spirits industry in the United States has witnessed a significant transformation, with an inspiring surge in black-owned businesses making their mark. The growth of black-owned wine and spirits distilleries stands as a testament to the tenacity, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of individuals who have overcome historical challenges to establish thriving enterprises. In this debut episode of Next2.0, we'll explore the remarkable journey of entrepreneur Russell Fletcher in this space with the rise of his premium Vodka brand, Mishka.

Join Marcus Atkinson and his guest Dr. Parris Baker to discuss

Join Marcus Atkinson and his guests Susannah Faulkner (New Erie City Council Appointee), Zakria Sharif (New Erie School Board Appointee) and Shateria Franklin (Asst. Grant Administrator with the City of Erie) as we discuss their new roles as Erie Servant Leaders.

Join Marcus Atkinson and his guest, Chuck Nelson as they discuss his new appointment as Erie City Council President on this episode of NEXT.

Join Marcus Atkinson and his guests, Rabbi Rob Morais (Temple Anshe Hesed), Dr. Parris Baker (Pastor at Believer’s International), Chet Moffet (Cathedral Prep Faculty Member), Amelia Lego-Atkinson (Prep-Villa Student), Devin Easter (Prep-Villa Student) as they discuss anti-Semitic speech & social media on this episode of NEXT.